Review Roundup: “Captain Marvel”

Well folks, we’re nearing the final of this chapter of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first three part saga. Captain Marvel hits theaters this Friday and then all that’s left is Endgame. Audience buzz surrounding the film has been mixed, with preconceived ideas being the source of frustration and some trolling. But what is the film actually like? Does it hold up to Marvel standards? Most importantly, is it good? Critics were allowed to release their reviews of Captain Marvel this morning and currently the film is receiving a 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Captain Marvel will keep you on your toes and at the edge of your seat all at the same time. It’s captivating, bold, and original, while adding nostalgia to the mix. Like the decade it’s set in, it’s also the most “Girl Power” superhero movie ever made (sorry, Wonder Woman, not sorry).

This is not another cheap girl-power cliché; it’s an explicitly feminist apotheosis. As a Nick Fury buddy comedy, it’s fun. As a feminist fable it’s essential. This takes a while to really get going, but when Carol Danvers takes off she is unstoppable.

The picture is not dull, exactly, just mundane, marked by unimaginative plotting, cut-rate villains, a bland visual style and a lack of elan in every department. Or put it this way: What Black Panther did for black representation in the superhero realm is not done for women in Captain Marvel. And if it came down to a one-on-one between rival franchise uber warriors Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel, there is no doubt who would inspire the heavy betting.

Carla Renata of The Curvy Film Critic enjoyed Larson’s performance and seemed to have a grand time at her screening:

Captain Marvel is here in the form of Brie Larson, who is kicking intergalactic booty and I’m here for all of it! The chemistry and banter between Danvers and Fury is quick-witted and a highlight of the film.

She’s well-matched by an antagonist played by Ben Mendelsohn. His role in Captain Marvel is something different, and something special. We meet him as a Skrull with one accent, and then he’s a “human” with another accent. Meanwhile, as a figure whose role requires much explanation, [Annette] Bening has a lot of fun on a greenscreen stage. Also, there is a really great cat.

Esther Zuckerman of Thrillist found the film to be a “flawed but necessary superhero movie:”

Captain Marvel, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, is a solid origin story that feels a little more out of Phase One of the franchise, when the cinematic universe was playing it safe with its tone. It’s a good time, full of MCU world building and some charmingly weird aliens, but doesn’t break the mold despite its mold-breaking hero.

Black Girl Nerds’ Catalina Combsdelights in the diversity and positive messages of the movie:

All in all, it’s refreshing to see strong females of all races and colors on screen together. At no point are they reduced to sex symbols….This film’s message is all about empowering women. It’s almost as if every single scene is a conduit for positive female thinking.

Lindsey Bahr of Associated Press felt the there was much lacking from the film:

There are some twists and turns and a scene-stealing orange cat that would be difficult to discuss here without spoiling everything. All-in-all it’s fine, but nothing to get too excited about. And it could have and should have been so much better: The cast was there, the cool directing talents, the budget and the “brand” goodwill….The first female-led movie of the MCU deserved more.

Brie Larson [as Captain Marvel] proves all the doubters wrong…while continuing her ascension as a cultural and feminist icon.

Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics sees Carol as one of the Avengers’ new leaders:

The determination, strength, leadership, and courage Danvers puts on display echoes a different soon-to-be-departing Captain in the Avengers. Unlike him, she’s a little bit rough around the edges; it’s safe to call her a work-in-progress, but the flaws are what make her endearing.

This movie is no Black Panther or, if we’re expanding the field of comparison, Wonder Woman…. Luckily, Captain Marvel doesn’t have to be better than all of the MCU’s previous films to be something enjoyable.

The film opens nationwide on March 8. Tickets are available now through Fandango.